Emma Sidi is Sue Gray, Pleasance, 2024
Photo: Pleasance Courtyard
Photo: Pleasance Courtyard

The top London comedy shows to see in October

Our pick of this month's must-see comedy shows in London

Andrzej Lukowski
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There are far, far too many one-off, multi-performer comedy nights in London for us to compile a single coherent page with our favouites on, which is entirely to London’s credit. So do check individual bills of comedy clubs online for that sort of thing. But if you’re looking for an individual comedian with a full headline show then this page is here to compile the Time Out editorial team’s top choices, often with our reviews from the Edinburgh Festival Fringe.

The big London comedy news this month is the launch of a live immersive version of beloved comedy gameshow Taskmaster – will Alex Horne’s eccentric brainchild be as funny when tackled by your or I and not actual comedians? Soon we’ll find out! Plus heavy hitters Mo Gilligan, Emma Sidi, Sophie Duker and Ania Magliano.

The best comedy clubs in London.

The best new theatre shows to book for in London.

The best comedy shows in London this month

  • Immersive
  • Canada Water

What is it? Cult comedy gameshow ‘Taskmaster’ makes the leap from small screen to live experience with this undeniably intriguing show, which takes place at the Dock X complex in Canada Water.

Why go? If you’ve ever dreamed of taking part in the show’s zany tasks then this, presumably, is for you, with the opportunity to step into a recreation of the Taskmaster house and take part in one of two ‘gameplay experiences’ dubbed Melon Buffet and Absolute Casserole. 

  • Comedy
  • Character
  • Soho
  • 4 out of 5 stars
  • Recommended

What is it? Starstruck sidekick Sidi scored a big hit at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe with this show in which for one entire hours she masquerades as Sue Gray, Downing Street chief of staff.

Why go? Sidi’s bewildering interpretation of Gray as a lairy millennial Essex girl makes absolutey zero sense and is incredibly, incredibly funny, in part simply because she’s comitted so wholeheartedly to the bit.

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  • Comedy
  • Stand-up
  • Hammersmith

What is it? The superstar stand-up returns to his second home the Hammersmith Apollo for a fresh run of shows, part of his In the Moment world tour.

Why go? It’s a new set, but odds are extremely high that it’ll be the same old Mo, mixing his big-hearted, ultra-relatable yarns with tales from the world of showbiz he now finds himself embroiled in. Plus as a man of the people, ticket prices are very reasonable.

More comedy in London

Looking for comedy in London tonight? Then start limbering up those face muscles because there are plenty of cracking line-ups at London's comedy clubs this very evening. Here's a few of the comedy shows we recommend, plus a choice of budget-friendly free gigs.

  • Comedy
This week
This week

As the unofficial comedy capital of the world, London's comedy circuit doesn't take a break. There are stand-up shows seven days a week, from early evening through to the small hours. To help you plan your week of witticisms, here's a nifty calendar of the best comedy shows in London this week.

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